The White House announced a plan on Monday to further enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. The new security measures are intended to thwart similar attacks in the United States by increasing intelligence sharing between VWP countries and information collection about travellers’ past visits to countries considered terrorist safe havens. Though the Obama Administration has taken a series of steps over the past year to improve the security of the VWP, Monday’s announcement is expected to accelerate these changes and add additional safeguards.
Belgium: Travel update
The Belgian government has confirmed the continuation of the increase in its national threat level to its highest level, very serious, for the Brussels region, indicating that the threat of a terrorist attack is serious and imminent. The Belgian government will review the threat level and the security measures regularly.
Kosovo: Travel update
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica.
The last few weeks have seen an increasing number of protests in the centre of Pristina, some of which have turned violent. Protests are expected to continue. You should exercise caution and avoid large crowds or demonstrations.
The security situation in Kosovo remains calm but tense. There have been violent clashes in the north and incidents involving grenades and vehicle explosions in northern Mitrovica. Incidents in the south are rarer, but violent demonstrations have occurred in Pristina.
If you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia using the border crossing Gates 1 and 31 (Leposavic and Zubin Potok) you should consider alternative routes.
Residual landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain in Kosovo, although all roads and tracks have been cleared.
Remember to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
New UK passport design launched
The Home Office has unveiled the latest design for UK passports, the theme of which is ‘Creative United Kingdom’.
Passport designs are updated every five years, and this latest version features British cultural icons including Shakespeare, Charles Babbage, and Anish Kapoor as well as landmark structures like the Angel of the North and the Titanic Belfast.
The new passport contains new security features and uses advanced printing technology, making it the most secure passport ever produced in the UK.
Her Majesty’s Passport Office Director General, Mark Thomson, said: “Not only are we constantly striving to stay one step ahead of those who seek to undermine the passport, but we have created a document that marks just some of the greatest creative achievements in the UK.”
The new passport will be rolled out in a phased approach with the first due to be in circulation from December 2015.
France: Restrictive border controls implemented
Due to the recent terror attacks and related state of emergency, France has put strict border controls into place until at least December 13, 2015, at train stations, air and seaports. Travellers should expect increased security at entry checkpoints. Issuance of visas and immigration documents could be delayed or suspended at the discretion of the French government.
Lebanon: Travel update
On 12 November 2015, there were explosions in Burj-al-Barajneh, in the southern suburb area of Beirut. Reports indicate that many people have been killed and injured. The FCO advises against all travel to the southern suburbs of Beirut. Avoid this area and monitor local media for updates.
Frequent demonstrations continue across Lebanon due to the ongoing rubbish collection crisis. Some protests have turned violent. Security forces sometimes use roadblocks, water cannon and tear gas to manage protests. Further demonstrations could occur at short notice. You should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.
France: Travel update
On Friday 13 November, a number of terrorist incidents took place in Paris resulting in widespread casualties. British nationals are advised to exercise caution in public places and follow the advice of the local authorities. French authorities have heightened security measures due to a risk of further attacks. The advice of the Paris Police is currently to keep movement around town to a minimum. Systematic border control checks have been implemented at all entry points into France. A national state of emergency and a three-day period of mourning have been declared (14-16 November). Public gatherings, the flying of drones and use of fireworks in the Ile de France region (Paris and surrounding area) have been prohibited.
Burundi: Travel update
If you don’t have an essential reason to stay in Burundi, you should leave if the opportunity arises to do so safely by commercial means.
On 2 November President Nkurunziza issued a public warning to Burundian citizens who had weapons illegally to surrender them within 5 days or they would be ‘punished in accordance with the anti terrorist law and fought like enemies of the nations.’ Security forces have authorisation from 9 November to use all means at their disposal to find weapons and re-establish security.
Egypt: Travel update
The FCO has decided, in consultation with the airlines, that flights from Sharm el Sheikh to the UK will resume on 6 November 2015. British nationals affected by this should contact their tour operators or carriers on their travel plans. The additional security measures will include permitting passengers to carry hand baggage only and transporting hold luggage separately. The FCO is working with the airlines to ensure there are suitable arrangements in place to reunite passengers with their belongings as soon as possible.
The FCO is not raising the threat level in the resort. The above advice applies only to air travel to and from Sharm el Sheikh.
The FCO has deployed consular staff to Sharm el Sheikh, who will be on hand at the airport and the resort, to assist British nationals.
Bahrain: Travel update
There have been calls for unauthorised protests in A’ali, Diraz and Sitra on 5 & 6 November.
Demonstrations and protests take place regularly. These can be violent. You should be vigilant and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
An attack took place near Karranah village on the evening of 28 August 2015 against security personnel. One person was reportedly killed and several others injured.
Mexico travel advice
Security
There have been disturbances in the state of Jalisco, including the municipalities of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Zapopan. If you’re in this area, stay in the tourist areas if possible and follow local advice.
Protests have affected Mexico City and other parts of the country. You should avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities if you’re in an area where a protest is taking place. Illegal roadblocks have been reported more frequently, particularly in the state of Guerrero. If you’re driving in Guerrero, travel during daylight hours and use toll roads, although you may still encounter disruptions. If possible, travel by air if you’re visiting a major tourist destination in Guerrero.
The security situation can pose a risk for foreigners. Be alert to the existence of street crime as well as more serious violent crime like robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking. In certain parts of Mexico you should take particular care to avoid being caught up in drug related violence between criminal groups. See Crime and Violence
Hurricane season
Hurricane Patricia is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of the west coast from around 23 October 2015.
The hurricane season normally runs from June to November and affects both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the website of the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
Remember to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.